Ozymandias Flashcards
structure and form
Form – iambic pentameter
2 types of sonnets used (Petrarchan and Shakespearean) shows leaders love for power
Structure: no specific meter and volta in line 8 *structure paragraph
“The hand that mocked them, and heart that fed” – ambiguity and (volta)
The use of ambiguity describes Ozymandias and the sculptor. This is shown through the volta (turning point). “The hand that mocked them” is a reference to Ozymandias as he feels that people are inferior as they are not as rich and powerful as he is. “Heart that fed” the noun “heart” connotes to warming and loving. However, he is cold-hearted, the volta could be describing the sculptor as the statue is all that is left of his great kingdom. Shelley points out that the power of art is more powerful then politcal power that mankind chooses to pursue. The sculptor makes the statue so much like Ozymandias that he reveals the true feelings of Ozymandias so that his people and the reader can see him as he truly is.
“Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” - imperatives
The great irony hoping that anyone would see his wonderful work but there is nothing but a desert. “My work” possessive noun shows he believes his work was everlasting like his power but isnt.
“And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command” - alliteration plosive ‘c’
The “wrinkle lip” conveys a “sneer” and the noun “wrinkle” suggest old age so the statue shows that his power was running out. Eventhough Ozymandias thought he was at his high point of power. Shelley points out that we can’t cling onto power even though we seem all powerful. This was the case with Napoleon as in 1810 thought he was utterly invincible as he conquered all of Europe yet by 1812, he was defeated. “sneer” suggest that rulers rule over us with contempt and have no sympathy and shows how we need a more democratic system. This is emphasis with the alliteration of “cold command” this harsh sound shows how emotionless rulers are.
context
: Describes an ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s statue called Ramesses II in a dessert. All that remains are two “vast” stone legs and a head half-sunken. This poem presents the ultimate transience of politcal power. The poem critiques such power by suggesting that both leaders and their kingdom will fail by the power of time and nature.
